1
as in limit
a real or imaginary point beyond which a person or thing cannot go
the language in the novel really is beyond the bounds of decency
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in confines
the line or relatively narrow space that marks the outer limit of something
colored outside the bounds of the drawing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
as in to border
to serve as a border for
being bounded on all sides by the Alps has helped Switzerland maintain its neutrality
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in determined
fully committed to achieving a goal
I am bound and determined to write a novel before I turn 30
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of bound
Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 4 Jan. 2026
Edgecombe blocked Williams’ attempt with his left hand and then batted it out of bounds with his right.
—Christian Clark, New York Times, 4 Jan. 2026
Grace Hase, Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2026
The committee’s mission is to protect the quality of life within Oak Lawn, generally bounded within Woodall Rodgers Freeway, North Central Expressway, Highland Park, Inwood Road, Harry Hines Boulevard and Oak Lawn Avenue.
—Timia Cobb
breaking News Reporter, Dallas Morning News, 5 Jan. 2026
Big Think, 27 Oct. 2025
Vorobok searched the library’s newspaper databases as well as city directories, Sanborn maps and bound editions of the original century-old newspapers, then compiled it all online with the help of the digital services team.
—Jeff Suess, Cincinnati Enquirer, 26 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bound
Noun
Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe tipped the pass and McCaffrey couldn’t grab it, leading to Drake Thomas intercepting it and going out of bounds at the 3-yard line.
—Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 4 Jan. 2026
Edgecombe blocked Williams’ attempt with his left hand and then batted it out of bounds with his right.
—Christian Clark, New York Times, 4 Jan. 2026
Verb
The restricted area is bounded by State Route 237 to the north, Calabazas Creek to the west, Highway 101 and Montague Expressway to the south and the Guadalupe River to the east.
—Grace Hase, Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2026
The committee’s mission is to protect the quality of life within Oak Lawn, generally bounded within Woodall Rodgers Freeway, North Central Expressway, Highland Park, Inwood Road, Harry Hines Boulevard and Oak Lawn Avenue.
—Timia Cobb
breaking News Reporter, Dallas Morning News, 5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
Over that time, galaxies, galaxy groups, and galaxy clusters all formed bound structures.
—Big Think, 27 Oct. 2025
Vorobok searched the library’s newspaper databases as well as city directories, Sanborn maps and bound editions of the original century-old newspapers, then compiled it all online with the help of the digital services team.
—Jeff Suess, Cincinnati Enquirer, 26 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bound
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bound
Adjective
-
She was pronounced dead at the scene, and her cause of death was later determined to be blunt force trauma to the head, the Athens-Clarke County Coroner’s Office and Morgue confirmed to PEOPLE.—
Lynsey Eidell,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Two years later, Poppy is determined to get them back on track.—
CT Jones,
Rolling Stone,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The new portrait shows Trump standing over the resolute desk with his fists on it, looking into the camera in a black-and-white photo.—
Jared Gans,
The Hill,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Your productive 6th house and your resolute 12th house are both impacted by the vibrant Sun opposing wise Jupiter.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
More than anything, O’Leary is intent on branding himself a champion of capitalism.—
Alison Willmore,
Vulture,
2 Jan. 2026
-
The members of NewJeans had originally seemed intent on appealing the decision before ultimately deciding to open up talks of a return with Ador.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
31 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bound. Accessed 21 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
